The Lion and the Bird; Marianne Dubuc

Lion is busily going about a spot of gardening when he notices an injured bird lying on the ground. With the bird’s flock long gone, Lion feels responsible for the injured bird and decides to take it in and care for it. As Lion nurses the wounded bird back to health a wonderful friendship soon blossoms but what will happen when the time comes for the bird to return to its flock?

This is such a beautiful and moving story. Lion is delighted to have someone to share his home with and through the winter months lion and bird eat together, stay warm together and play together. When Spring comes the bird’s flock returns and it is time for lion and bird to part ways.
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Lion experiences sadness at being alone and this really pulls at the heart strings as you feel his emptiness and knowing something is missing from his life. When Autumn returns so does his companion and we see that the bonds of friendship are never truly broken - no matter how far apart you are or how much time passes by.

Marianne Dubuc explores a range of emotions in this gentle and moving story of kindness and friendship. The joy of spending time together and enjoying activities is contrasted with the bittersweet time when lion and bird have to say goodbye to each other. Dubuc takes readers from the highs of the beauty of friendship to the lows of sadness and loneliness at having to spend time apart.

Minimal text accompanies the beautiful illustrations that have been created using a delicate and soft colour palette.

Any young child who has ever had to say goodbye to a friend or relative for a prolonged period of time will relate to lion’s situation and will share in his joy and sadness as his new friend comes and goes.

Recommended for 4+.